It all comes down to preparation for almost 4 million of the nation's 10th- and 11th-grade students who are set to the take the new PSAT, a test that helps students prepare for the SAT. To step up its commitment, Anne Arundel County Public Schools has agreed to pay for the new test. Students at North County High School are very familiar with the PSAT. Most of them believe it's sort of a stepping stone to success beyond graduation.